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Topic: How to join the Orthodox Church (Read 4616 times)

The referenced file describes the process of becoming a member of the Orthodox church as I have experienced it. I am presenting it here to see if this is a common process and a fit for what others have experienced. It is written for the mission I attend. The purpose is to give prospective members a one page description of the process in becoming a member.

I am planning on putting this into a tract and posting it on my website. Personnally I think it will help those interested in becoming Orthodox, know what is instore for them and be able to follow the process.

I am also working on an eProcess for becoming Orthodox. It is more theological with articles and training materials.

Dismas, I've got a few minutes to spare, so I'll give it a shot...although I'll probably miss something.

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First, is must be understood that Orthodox doctrine teaches we must respect the individual decisions of all candidates for membership of St. Ignatius.

First, it must be understood that Orthodox doctrine teaches that we must respect the individual decisions of all candidates for membership of St. Ignatius Orthodox Church.

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-+ If you are not known by the Pastor, you may be asked to provide:-+ Letter from your former Priest acknowledging the transfer-+ Certificate of Baptism/Chrismation

You should probably make the latter two lines a subheading, such as:

* If you are not known by the Pastor, you may be asked to provide: * Letter from your former Priest acknowledging the transfer * Certificate of Baptism/Chrismation

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-+ Following the meeting with the Pastor, membership may be granted.

I'd switch this around. Membership may be granted following the meeting with the Pastor.

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Candidates for membership from other religious

Do you mean "Candidates for membership from other religions"?

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You may be asked any or all of the following questions:

I think it would be helpful if you actually had questions there. Here's what I'd do:

You may be asked any or all of the following questions:-+ Do you understand the Orthodox faith? Your personal experience and beliefs in Christ, His Sacraments, His Church and other questions that our Priest thinks are important in understanding and assessing your particular needs in becoming a member of the Orthodox Church.-+ Have you been baptised?The Sacrament of Baptism is critical in becoming a member of any Orthodox Church. Baptism must have been performed by a Trinitarian Church to be accepted by the Orthodox Church. A list of these churches may be provided upon request. You will be asked to provide documentation in the form a Baptismal Certificate. The Orthodox Church may accept your Baptism. Correct Baptism is as just as important as not re-baptizing when unnecessary. -+ Are you prepared to be Chrismated? Orthodoxy, along with Baptism, believes in the Sacrament of Chrismation. The Pastor will explain this belief to you in detail. If your Baptism is accepted, you will not be re-baptized but will need to be Chrismated into the Orthodox Church. If our Pastor does not accept your Baptism, you will be Baptized and Chrismated into the Orthodox Church.-+ Do you acknowlDuring this time, the Pastor will help you understand how to become a Voting Member of St. Ignatius and determine how you can use how God has blessed you for the temporal maintenance of the Church.

Well, gotta run, hopefully someone can do more to help.

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